Double-latch cable tie

ABSTRACT

A cable tie comprises a flexible strap having a row of teeth on one longitudinal surface thereof and a toothed wedge-shaped head at one end thereof, and a locking frame having a first and second strap-accommodating openings therethrough and being trapped on the strap with the strap in the first opening, the first opening being shaped to simultaneously accommodate the head and the other end of the strap therein with the row of teeth engaging the head to latch the strap in a first loop around a first bundle, the second opening having a detent and a strap-bearing surface therein biased toward each other, the detent engaging the row of teeth when the other end of the strap is received through the second opening for latching the strap in a second loop around a second bundle; several alternative embodiments of detents and strap-bearing surfaces, and a strap having two rows of teeth are also disclosed.

United States Patent Fulton Apr. 11, 1972 154] DOUBLE-LATCH CABLE TIE[72] Inventor: Ronald T. Fulton, Tinley Park, Ill.

[73] Assignee: Panduit Corporation, Tinley Park, Ill.

[22] Filed: Mar. 31, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 24,295

[52] US. Cl. ..24/16 PB [51] Int. Cl ..B65d 63/00 [58] Field of Search..248/68, 71, 74, 74 PB;

24/81 CC, 20 T1, 206 A, 73.7, 16 PB, 30.5 PB, 73

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,450147 9/1948 Lawry..248/68 2,969,216 1/1961 l-Iallsey ..248/71 3,114,184 12/1963Bigaovette 24/305 PB 3,197,829 8/1965 Caveney et a1... .....24/16 PB3,214,808 11/1965 Litwin ..24/16 PB 3,302,913 2/1967 Collyer et a1..24/73.7 UX 3,463,427 8/1969 Fisher ..24/16 PB FOREIGN PATENTS ORAPPLICATIONS 643,835 8/1962 Italy ..24/16 PB Primary Examiner-Donald A.Griffin Att0rneyPrangley, Clayton, Mullin, Dithmar & Vogel [57] ABSTRACTA cable tie comprises a flexible strap having a row of teeth on onelongitudinal surface thereof and a toothed wedge-shaped head at one endthereof, and a locking frame having a first and secondstrap-accommodating openings therethrough and being trapped on the strapwith the strap in the first opening, the first opening being shaped tosimultaneously accommodate the head and the other end of the straptherein with the row of teeth engaging the head to latch the strap in afirst loop around a first bundle, the second opening having a detent anda strap-bearing surface therein biased toward each other, the detentengaging the row of teeth when the other end of the strap is receivedthrough the second opening for latching the strap in a second looparound a second bundle; several alternative embodiments of detents andstrap-bearing surfaces, and a strap having two rows of teeth are alsodisclosed.

16 Claims, 22 Drawing Figures PATENTEDAPR 11 I972 3. 654,669

sum 3 0F 4 DOUBLE-LATCH CABLE TIE The present invention is directed tocable ties for binding bundles of wires and the like, and, specifically,to a cable tie for simultaneously tying two separate bundles.

It is an important object of the present invention to provide a cabletie securable about two separate bundles of wires and the like andcomprising an elongated flexible strap having an irregular configurationalong a portion of the length thereof, a locking frame coupled to thestrap adjacent to one end thereof and having first and second strapaccommodating openings therein for receiving the other end of the straptherethrough, and first and second detents respectively positioned inthe first and second strap accommodating openings and adapted to engagethe strap irregular configuration, the strap being deformable into afirst loop encircling a first bundle of wires with the other end of thestrap extending through the first opening and therebeyond in a firstloop-tightening direction, the first detent being disposed toward thestrap irregular configuration and engageable therewith when the otherend of the strap is extended through the first opening to preventretrograde movement therebetween, the other end of thestrap extendingthrough and beyond the first opening being further deformable into asecond loop encircling a second bundle of wires with the other end ofthe strap extending through the second opening and therebeyond in asecond loop-tightening direction, the second detent being disposedtoward the strap irregular configuration and engageable therewith whenthe other end of the strap is extended through the second opening toprevent retrograde movement therebetween, whereby the cable tie servesindependently to tie two separate bundles of wires and the like.

It is an important object of the present invention to provide a cabletie to be tensioned or otherwise secured about two separate bundles ofwires and the like, the cable tie comprising an elongated flexiblestrap, a row of teeth disposed on one longitudinal surface of the strapand arranged transversely with respect thereto, a wedge-shaped headconnected at the smaller end thereof to one end of the strap and havinga tooth disposed transversely thereof and shaped complementary to theteeth in the row of teeth, a locking frame having first and secondstrap-accommodating openings therein for receiving the other end of thestrap therethrough, the first opening being shaped to receive the headtherein and to prevent passage of the head therethrough and tosimultaneously accommodate the other end of the strap therethrough, thestrap being deformable into a first loop encircling a first bundle ofwires with the strap accommodated in the first opening and with theother end of the strap extending back through the first opening andtherebeyond, the tooth on the head being disposed toward the row ofteeth and engageable therewith as the head is pulled into a wedgingposition in the first opening as when the strap is tightened about thefirst bundle of wires to a tensioned condition, any force tending towithdraw the strap from the first opening in a strap-loosening directionserving to move the tooth on the head into more firm engagement with theengaged ones of the row of teeth to hold the head firmly in engagementwith the frame, a strap-bearing surface on the frame in the secondopening and a detent on the frame opposite the strap-bearing surface anddisposed transversely thereof and shaped complementary to the teeth inthe row of teeth, the strap being further deformable into a second loopencircling a second bundle of wires with the other end of the strapextending through the second opening, the detent being disposed towardthe row of teeth and sequentially engageable therewith as the strap ispulled through the second opening when the strap is tightened about thesecond bundle of wires to a tensioned condition, and means urging thestrap-bearing surface and the detent toward one another to move thedetent into firm engagement with the engaged ones of the row of teeth tohold the strap firmly in the second opening for preventing retrogrademotion of the strap in the second opening, whereby the cable tie servesto tie two separate bundles of wires and the like.

It is another object of this invention to provide a cable tie of thetype set forth, wherein the strap-bearing surface is disposed on aflexible bearing member carried by the frame and resiliently urging thestrap-bearing surface toward the detent.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a cable tie of thetype set forth wherein the detent comprises a pawl hingedly mounted onthe frame and extending into the second opening toward the strap-bearingsurface, and a tooth on the pawl arranged transversely with respectthereto and shaped complementary to the teeth in the row of teeth anddisposed toward the row of teeth and sequentially engageable therewithas the strap is pulled through the second opening in a straptighteningdirection.

Another object of this invention is to provide a cable tie of the typeset forth, wherein the strap-bearing surface is disposed on a bearingmember mounted on the frame for pivotal movement between a strap-passingposition wherein the strap-bearing surface is disposed away from thedetent and a strap-locking position wherein the strap-bearing surface isdisposed toward the detent, the bearing member being biased into thestrap-locking position thereof for urging the strapbearing surfacetoward the detent, and further including a release member coupled to thebearing member for effecting movement thereof to the strap-passingposition thereof to release the strap from the second opening.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a cable tie ofthe type set forth, wherein the strap is provided with two rows of teethrespectively disposed on opposite longitudinal surfaces thereof, andwherein the frame is provided with two opposed detents thereon disposedin the second opening transversely thereof and respectively disposedtoward the two rows of teeth and sequentially engageable therewith asthe strap is pulled through the second opening in a strap-tighteningdirection, and further including means urging the detents toward eachother.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a cable tiecomprising an elongated flexible strap, a row of teeth disposed on onelongitudinal surface of the strap and arranged transversely with respectthereto, a head connected to one end of the strap, a locking framehaving first and second strap accommodating openings therein forreceiving the other end of the strap therethrough, the first openingbeing shaped to receive the head therein and to prevent passage of thehead therethrough, a retaining member carried by the strap adjacent tothe one end thereof and engageable with the frame 'when the strap isaccommodated in the first opening and cooperating with the head to trapthe frame on the strap, a strap bearing surface on the frame in thesecond opening, and a detent on the frame opposite the strap bearingsurface and disposed transversely thereof and shaped substantiallycomplementary to the teeth in the row of teeth, the strap beingdeformable into a loop encircling a bundle of wires and the like withthe head accommodated in the first opening and with the other end of thestrap extending through and beyond the first opening and around thebundle of wires and then through the second opening, the detent beingdisposed toward the row of teeth and sequentially engageable therewithas the strap is pulled through the second opening for tightening theloop around the bundle of wires, and means urging the strap bearingsurface and the detent toward each other to move the detent into firmengagement with the engaged ones of the row of teeth to hold the strapfirmly in the second opening for preventing retrograde motion of thestrap in the second opening, whereby the cable tie may be effectivelysecured about a bundle of wires and the like.

Further features of the invention pertain to the particular arrangementof the parts of the cable tie whereby the aboveoutlined and additionaloperating features are attained.

The invention, both as to its organization and method of operation,together with further objects and advantages thereof, will best beunderstood with reference to the following specification taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a cable tie according to the presentinvention with a portion of the strap removed and with the locking frameshown in phantom;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the cable tie illustrated in FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary bottom plan view of the cable tie shown in FIG.1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the head and neckof the cable tie strap shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a reduced side elevational view of acable tie according to thepresent invention illustrating the manner in which the cable tie is usedto tie two separate bundles;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view, similar to FIG. 5, of a cable tieaccording to the present invention and illustrating the manner in whichthe cable tie is used to attach a bundle to a support;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged front elevational view of the locking frame of thecable tie illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a view in vertical section taken along the line 8-8 in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8, and showing the cooperation of thelocking frame with the cable tie strap in the engaged and tensionedcondition of the cable tie;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary view similar to FIG. 9, and showing thedeflection of the locking frame strap-bearing member to accommodatepassage of the cable tie strap through the locking frame;

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 10 and depicting an alternativeembodiment of the cable tie of this invention, with two rows of teeth onthe strap and two detents on the locking frame;

FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of a second embodiment of thelocking frame of this invention for use with the cable tie strapillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the locking frame shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a sectional view, similar to FIG. 9, of the locking frameshown in FIG. 13 and also illustrating the cooperation of the cable tiestrap therewith;

FIG. 15 is a front elevational view of a third embodiment of the lockingframe of this invention for use with the cable tie strap shown in FIGS.1 and 2;

FIG. 16 is a top plan view of the locking frame shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary sectional view, similar to FIG. 14, of thelocking frame shown in FIG. 16, illustrating the cooperation of thecable tie strap therewith;

FIG. 18 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 14, of a fourth embodimentof the locking frame of this invention for use with the cable tie strapshown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and illustrating the cooperation between thestrap and the locking frame;

FIG. 19 is a front elevational view of the locking frame shown in FIG.18;

FIG. 20 is a fragmentary sectional view, similar to FIG. 18, of a fifthembodiment of the locking frame of this invention for use with the cabletie strap shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and illustrating the cooperationbetween the locking frame and the strap;

FIG. 21 is a front elevational view of the locking frame shown in FIG.20; and

FIG. 22 is a reduced side elevational view of the cable tie according tothis invention, illustrating the manner in which it is used incooperation with a second strap for securing a bundle to a support.

Referring to the drawings, and particularly to FIGS. 1 to 10 thereof,there is shown a two-piece cable tie, generally designated by thenumeral 100, made in accordance with and embodying the principles of thepresent invention. The cable tie 100 includes generally a strap 101having a head 130 connected to one end thereof by a neck 120, and alocking frame 150 trapped on the neck 120 of the strap 101. The cabletie 100 is to be used to bind two separate bundles 50 and 60,respectively formed of a plurality of individual wires 55 and 65, andaccordingly the cable tie 100 has been illustrated in this end use.However, it will be appreciated that the cable tie may be advantageouslyused to bind other objects in a like manner. It will be noted that thecable tie 100 is formed of a suitable synthetic organic plastic resin,the preferred resin being one of the polyamide resins, and must besufficiently flexible to permit deformation of the several parts thereofas illustrated throughout the drawings.

The strap 101 is elongated and flexible and includes an outer end 102which is provided with tapered sides 103 as well as an inclined surface104 on the upper side thereof as viewed in FIG. 2, whereby the outer end102 has reduced dimensions in both the transverse direction and in thethickness thereof. The remainder of the strap 101 is substantiallyrectangular in transverse cross section and is provided withsubstantially parallel flat lower and upper surfaces 109 and 111,respectively. The underside 109 of the strap 101, as illustrated in FIG.2 is provided with an irregular configuration in the form of anessentially continuous row 110 of teeth 115, the teeth extending fromand adjacent to the outer end 102 to a point adjacent to the neck 120.Each of the teeth 115 extends transversely of the strap 101 a distanceslightly less than the width of the strap 101, the crests of the teeth115 lying in the plane of the bottom surface 109. The upper surface 111of the strap 101 is formed smooth and essentially flat as molded. Thestrap 101 is further provided with a pair of essentially parallel strapsides 116 and 117 that extend the length thereof, i.e., from adjacent toouter end 102 to the neck 120, and respectively interconnected to theupper and lower surfaces 109 and 111 at the opposite side edges thereof.

Integral with the other end of the strap 101 is a reduced neck 120 whichis also substantially rectangular in transverse cross section, but has athickness and width slightly less than the thickness and width of thestrap 101. More particularly, the neck 120 is provided with parallelflat upper and lower surfaces 121 and 122, respectively joined at theopposite side edges thereof by a pair of substantially parallel sidesurfaces 123 and 124. The end of the strap 101 adjacent to the neck 120is provided on the opposite side surfaces 116 and 117 thereof with apair of outwardly projecting lugs 125 formed integrally therewith, withthe ends 126 of the lugs 125 disposed toward the outer end 102 of thestrap 101 sloping inwardly to the corresponding side surfaces 116 and117.

Integral with the outer end of the neck 120 is a generally wedge-shapedhead, generally designated by the numeral 130. The head 130 is providedwith a pair of substantially parallel side surfaces 132 respectivelycoplanar with the side surfaces 123 and 124 of the neck 120. The head130 is also provided with an inclined end surface 133 extending abovethe neck 120, and an inclined wedging surface 135 extending downwardlyfrom the upper end of the upper edge of the end surface 133 to the outerend of the upper surface 121 of the neck 120. Protruding outwardly fromthe side surfaces 131 and 132 respectively of the head 130 are a pair oflugs 136, the outer ends of the lugs 136 being coplanar with the endsurface 133 and the inner ends of the lugs 136 respectively defining apair of inclined abutment surfaces 137. Formed on the bottom of the head130 is a set 140 of teeth 145, preferably four in number, extendingtransversely of the head 130 and shaped complementary to the teeth 115on the strap 101. The crests of the teeth all lie in a plane which isdisposed at a slight angle to the lower surface 109 of the strap 101.

The cable tie 100 is also provided with a locking frame, generallydesignated by the numeral 150, the locking frame being provided with twostrap-accommodating openings and therethrough. The locking frame 150 isnormally so associated with the strap 101 that the neck 120 is trappedwithin the opening 160 in the locking frame 150 as indicated in FIGS. 1to 3 of the drawings, the side of the locking frame 150 disposed towardthe outer end 102 of the strap 101 in this normal arrangement beinghereinafter referred to as the forward or front side of the lockingframe 150. The locking frame 150 is generally in the form of a block andis provided with a front surface 153 and a rear surface 154 disposedsubstantially parallel to each other and interconnected at the oppositeside edges thereof by a pair of opposed side surfaces 151 and 152 whichconverge slightly toward the rear surface 154. The locking frame 150 isalso provided with a fiat bottom surface 156 sloping upwardly from thefront surface 153 to the rear surface 154, and a flat top surface 157disposed substantially normal to the front and rear surfaces 153 and154, but extending only a short distance forwardly of the rear surface154. The upper front end of the locking frame 150 is recessed or cutaway to form an upstanding surface 159 extending downwardly from the topsurface 157 substantially parallel to the rear surface 154 a shortdistance forwardly thereof, and an inclined surface 158 connecting thefront surface 153 to the lower end of the surface 159. Projectingforwardly of the surface 159 and integral therewith is a bearing tab 155overlying the inclined surface 158 and terminating in a forward distalend disposed a slight distance rearwardly of the front surface 153. Thebearing tab 155 is substantially rectangular in trans verse crosssection and extends transversely of said locking frame a distance lessthan the transverse width of the locking frame 150. The bearing tab 155is flexible so that the forward end thereof may be deflected upwardlywith respect to the rearward end thereof, as will be described morefully hereinafter.

Extending through the locking frame 150 from the rear end to the frontend thereof, are the strap-accommodating openings 160 and 180, theopening 160 being disposed toward the bottom of the locking frame 150and extending from the rear surface 154 to the front surface 153, andthe opening 180 being disposed toward the upper end of the locking frame150 and extending therethrough from the rear surface 154 to the inclinedsurface 158. The strap-accommodating openings 160 and 180 cooperate todivide the locking frame 150 into a pair of opposed upstanding sidewalls 161 and 162, respectively interconnected at the upper and lowerends thereof by a top wall 163 and a bottom wall 164 substantiallyparallel to each other, the side walls 161 and 162 also beinginterconnected intermediate the upper and lower ends thereof by a centerwall 165 separating the opening 160 from the opening 180. The loweropening 160 is defined by a pair of upstanding substantially parallelside surfaces 166 and 167, a bottom bearing surface 168 having aninclined entry portion 169 at the rear end thereof, and an upper wedgingsurface 170 inclined upwardly from the front surface 153 toward the rearsurface 154, the upper end of the wedging surface 170 being connected tothe rear surface 154 of the locking frame 150 by a short flat surface171 disposed substantially parallel to the top surface 157. Respectivelyformed on the upper ends of the side surface 166 and 167, and extendinginwardly therefrom into the opening 160 are a pair of shoulders 175,each of the shoulders 175 having a stepped lower surface comprising arear upper portion 176 substantially parallel to the top surface 157, afront lower portion 177 substantially parallel to the rear upper portion176, and an inclined abutment portion 178 interconnecting the forwardend of the upper portion 176 with the rearward end of the lower portion177.

The upper opening 180 is defined by a pair of substantially parallelupstanding side surfaces 181 and 182, a lower strapengaging surface 183and an upper strap-bearing surface 185, the strap-bearing surface 185 issubstantially parallel to the top surface 157 of the locking frame 150,the front portion of the strap-bearing surface 185 forming the bottomsurface of the bearing tab 155. The strap-engaging surface 163 isinclined upwardly with respect to the strap-bearing surface 185 from therear surface 154 to the front surface 153 of the locking frame 150, withthe front end of the opening 180 being shaped and dimensionedcomplementary to the strap 101. Integral with the strap-engaging surface183 a short distance rearwardly of the front surface 153 is a tooth ordetent 190 extending transversely of the locking frame 150 and shapedcomplementary to the teeth 115 on the strap 101. The detent 190 ispositioned directly opposite the front end of the bearing tab 155, theclearance between the strap-bearing surface 185 and the strap-engagingsurface 183 at the base of the detent 190 being substantially equal tothe thickness of the strap 101.

In operation, the strap 101 is first assembled with the locking frame150 by inserting the front end 102 of the strap 101 into the loweropening 160 in the locking frame 150 from the rear end thereof andpulling the strap 101 through the opening 160 until the locking frame150 snaps into position on the neck 120. It will be noted that thetransverse dimension between the outer surfaces of the lugs 125 isslightly greater than the distance between the side surfaces 166 and 167of the opening 160, whereby passage of the locking frame 150 over thelugs 125 will be impeded. However, because of the sloping forwardsurfaces 126 of the lugs 125, and because of the resiliency of the lugs125 and the locking frame 150, the locking frame 150 may be snapped overthe lugs 125 into position on the neck 120. But because of the untaperedrear end surfaces of the lugs 125, the locking frame 150 cannot bepassed back over the lugs 125 toward the outer end 102 of the strap 101It will also be noted that the maximum thickness of the head 130 (fromthe top of the rear surface 133 to the crests of the teeth 145) isgreater than the distance between the bearing surface 168 and thewedging surface 170 at the narrow front end of the opening 160; inaddition, as the head 130 is pulled into the opening 160, the abutmentsurfaces 137 of the lugs 136 will respectively engage the abutmentportions 178 of the shoulders 175, whereby the head 130 cannot be passedthrough the opening 160. Thus, once assembled as described above, thelocking frame 160 is trapped on the neck 120 of the strap 101. It willbe observed that the length of the neck 120 is slightly greater than thedistance of the front and rear surfaces 153 and 154 ofthe locking frame150, whereby a certain amount of play is permitted between the strap 101and the locking frame 150 in their assembled condition.

In use, the outer end 102 of the strap 101 is deformed into a loopencircling an associated bundle 50 of wires 55 or the like, with theteeth disposed inwardly against the bundle'50, as illustrated in FIG. 5.The outer end 102 ofthe strap 101 is then threaded back through theopening 160 in the locking frame 150 beneath the neck and is pulledtherethrough until the strap 101 has been tightened to a predeterminedtension about the bundle 50. This tensioning operation may be performedby hand or, if desired, by an appropriate tensioning tool whichautomatically terminates the tensioning operation at the predeterminedtension or otherwise indicates that the predetermined tension has beenreached. As the outer end 102 of the strap 101 is pulled in astrap-tensioning direction through the opening 160 the head is pulledinto the opening 160, with the wedging surface thereon in wedgingengagement with the wedging surface 170 of the locking frame 150, andwith the teeth of the head 130 in engagement with the teeth 115 of thestrap 101, and with the abutment surface 137 of the lugs 136 abuttingagainst the abutment portions 178 of the shoulders 175. When thetensioned strap 101 is released, the tension therein will tend to pullthe head 130 and the engaged portion of the strap 101 further into theopening 130 toward the bundle 50, thus more firmly wedging the head 130into engagement with the locking frame 150, and into engagement with theengaged ones of the teeth 115 of the strap 101, to firmly lock the strap101 in the locking frame and about the bundle 50.

The outer end 102 of the strap 101 which has been pulled back throughthe opening as described above may then be looped around a second bundle60 of wires 65 or the like, with the teeth 115 of the strap 101 disposedinwardly against the bundle 60 as illustrated in FIG. 5. After beinglooped about the second bundle 60, the outer end 102 of the strap 101 isthen inserted into the second opening in the locking frame 150 and fedtherethrough toward the first bundle 50. As explained above, thedistance between the strap-bearing surface and the strap-engagingsurface 183 at the forward end of the bearing tab 155 is substantiallyequal to the thickness of the strap 101, whereby the detent will impedethe passage of the strap 101 through the second opening 180. However,the bearing tab 155 is flexible and is deflectable upwardly away fromthe strap-engaging surface 183 by the pressure of the surface 111 of thestrap 101 thereagainst, as illustrated in FIG. 10. Thus, the teeth 115on the strap 101 are permitted to rachet over the detent 190 as thestrap 101 is pulled through the second opening 180 in a strap-tighteningdirection. The deflection of the bearing tab 155 comprises a compositemotion, viz., a simple deflection of the forward or free end of thebearing tab 155 about the rear connected end thereof, as well as atorsional movement of the entire top wall 163, including the bearing tab155, of the locking frame 150 about the transverse axis of the rear endthereof, as illustrated in FIG. 10, both of these motions beingaccommodated by the resilient and flexible construction of the lockingframe 150. The strap 101 is pulled through the opening 180 in astrap-tightening direction until it has been tightened to apredetermined tension about the second bundle 60. Upon release of thestrap 101 in this tensioned condition, the tension therein will tend topull the strap 101 in a strap-loosening direction back through theopening 180, thus urging the engaged one of the teeth 115 into more firmengagement with detent 190 for preventing retrograde motion of the strap101 through the opening 180 and securely locking the strap 101 in thelocking frame 150 and about the second bundle 60.

It will be noted that the first loop may be completely formed andtensioned about the bundle 50 before the formation of the second loopabout the bundle 60. This facilitates the tensioning of the first loop,since the outer end 102 of the strap 101, which is free and unencumberedby the bundle 60 may be more easily grasped to perform the tensioningoperation.

While the principal intended use of the cable tie 100 is for tying twoseparate bundles of wires or the like or, stated another way, forsecuring one bundle to another bundle, all as illustrated in FIG. 5, itwill be apparent that the cable tie 100 may also be used to secure abundle 50 to any desired support. Thus, referring to FIG. 6 there isthere illustrated the use of the cable tie 100 for tying a bundle 50 andsecuring the bundle 50 to a support member 70. In this use of the cabletie 100, a strap 101 is secured about the bundle 50 in the mannerdescribed above with respect to FIG. 5, and the outer end 102 of thestrap 101 is then looped about the support 70 and locked in the secondopening 180 in exactly the same manner as the strap 101 was looped aboutthe second bundle 60 as described in connection with FIG. 5.

Referring now to FIGS. 12 to 14 of the drawings, there is thereillustrated a second embodiment 250 of the locking frame of thisinvention for use with the strap 101 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Thelocking frame 250 is similar to the locking frame 150 and includes afront surface 253 and a rear surface 254 substantially parallel to thefront surface 253, and a pair of opposed side surfaces 251 and 252interconnecting the front and rear surfaces 253 and 254 at the opposedside edges thereof and converging slightly toward the rear surface 254.The locking frame 250 is also provided with a bottom surface 256 whichslopes upwardly from the front surface 253 of the rear surface 254, anda flat top surface 257 disposed substantially normal to the front andrear surfaces 253 and 254. The top surface 257 is recessed a slightdistance below the upper ends of the side surfaces 251 and 252, as isbest illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 14. The locking frame 250 is alsoprovided with lower and upper openings 260 and 280 respectivelytherethrough, the lower opening 260 being identical to the lower opening160 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 10. The openings 260 and 280 combineto divide the locking frame 260 into a pair of upstanding side walls 261and 262 interconnected adjacent to the upper and lower ends thereof by atop wall 263 and a bottom wall 264, respectively, and interconnectedintermediate the ends thereof by a center wall 265 which separates theopening 260 from the opening 280. As indicated above, the top surface257 is recessed below the upper ends of the side surfaces 261 and 262,whereby the upper ends of the side walls 261 and 262 extend a shortdistance above the top surface 257 and define a pair of ridges 261a and2620 bordering the side edges of the top surface 257. The front end ofthe top wall 263 is recessed at the opposite side edges thereof to forma pair of notches 258 and 259 which extend substantially parallel to theside walls 261 and 262 and ter minate in arcuate rear ends disposedapproximately midway between the front and rear surface 253 and 254.

The bottom portion of the locking frame 250 including the center wall265, the bottom opening 260 and the bottom wall 264, is identical to thecorresponding bottom portion of the locking frame 150 in FIGS. 1 to 10and will, therefore, not be described again in detail. The upper opening280 is defined by a pair of opposed upstanding side surfaces 281 and282, a strap-engaging surface 283 and a strap-bearing surface 285. Thestrap-bearing surface 285 is substantially parallel to the top surface257 and extends the length of the opening 280 from the rear surface 254to the front surface 253. The strapengaging surface 283 is inclinedslightly upwardly from the rear surface 254 toward the front surface 253and is provided at the front end thereof with a tooth or detent 290extending into the opening 280 toward the strap-bearing surface 285. Thefront end of the opening 280 is shaped and dimensioned complementary tothe strap 101, with the distance between the front end of the bearingsurface 285 and the base of the detent 290 being substantially equal tothe thickness of the strap 101. It will be noted that the side surfaces281 and 282 are respectively disposed a slight distance outwardly of theinner edges of the notches 258 and 259, whereby communication isprovided between the notches 258 and 259 and the opening 280 at thefront end thereof. The portion of the top wall 263 disposed between thenotches 258 and 259 defines a flexible bearing tab 255 which isdeflectable with respect to the rear end of the top wall 263.

In operation, the locking frame 250 cooperates with the strap 101 in amanner substantially the same as the locking frame 150 cooperates withthe strap 101. More particularly, locking frame 250 may be trapped onthe strap 101 in the same manner as was described with respect to thelocking frame 150. The strap 101 may then be looped about a first bundleof wires or the like (not shown) and fed back through the opening 260 tosecurely tie the associated bundle and lock the strap 101 in the opening260 in the identical manner as was described with respect to the lockingframe 150. The outer end 102 of the strap 101 may then be looped about asecond bundle or support in the manner described above and fed throughthe upper opening 280 from the rear end to the front end thereof. Sincethe front end of the opening 280 has dimensions substantially the sameas the dimensions of the strap 101, the detent 290 will impede thepassage of the strap 101 through the opening 280. However, by reason ofthe flexible nature of the bearing tab 255, the engagement of thesurface 111 of the strap 101 with the strap-bearing surface 285 willserve to deflect the bearing tab 255 upwardly to permit the teeth 115 ofthe strap 101 to rachet over the detent 290 for thereby accommodatingpassage of the strap 101 through the opening 280 in a strap-tighteningdirection. After tightening of the strap 101 to a predetermined tension,release thereof will cause the strap 101 to be pulled into firmengagement with the detent 290 for securely locking the strap 101 in thelocking frame 250 in the same manner as was described with respect tothe embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 15 to 17 of the drawings, there is illustratedyet another embodiment 350 of the locking frame of the invention for usewith the strap 101 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The locking frame 350is substantially similar to the locking frame 250 and includes a frontsurface 353 and a rear surface 354 substantially parallel to the frontsurface 353, and a pair of opposed side surfaces 351 and 352interconnecting the front and rear surfaces 353 and 354 at the oppositeside edges thereof and converging slightly toward the rear surface 354.The locking frame 350 is also provided with a bottom surface 356 whichslopes upwardly from the front surface 353 of the rear surface 354, anda flat top surface 357 disposed substantially normal to the front andrear surfaces 353 and 354. The top surface 357 is recessed a slightdistance below the upper ends of the side surfaces 351 and 352, as isbest illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 14. The locking frame 350 is alsoprovided with lower and upper openings 360 and 380 respectivelytherethrough, the lower opening 360 being identical to the lower opening360 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 10. The openings 360 and 380 combineto divide the locking frame 350 into a pair of upstanding side walls 361and 362 interconnected adjacent to the upper and lower ends thereby by atop wall 363 and a bottom wall 364, respectively, and interconnectedintermediate the ends thereof by a center wall 365 which separates theopening 360 from the opening 380. As indicated above, the top surface357 is recessed below the upper ends of the side surfaces 361 and 362whereby the upper ends of the side walls 361 and 362 extend a shortdistance above the top surface 357 and define a pair of ridges 361a and362a bordering the side edges of the top surface 357.

The bottom portion of the locking frame 350 including the center wall365, the bottom opening 360 and the bottom wall 364, is identical to thecorresponding bottom portion of the locking frame 150 illustrated inFIGS. 1 to and will, therefore, not be described again in detail. Theupper opening 380 is defined by a pair of opposed upstanding sidesurfaces 381 and 382, a strap-engaging surface 383 and a strap-bearingsurface 385. The strap bearing surface 385 is substantially parallel tothe top surface 357 and extends the length of the opening 380 from therear surface 354 to the front surface 353. The strap-engaging surface383 is inclined slightly upwardly from the rear surface 354 toward thefront surface 353 and is provided at the front end thereof with a toothor detent 390 extending into the opening 380 toward the strap-bearingsurface 385. The front end of the opening 380 is shaped and dimensionedcomplementary to the strap 101, with the distance between the front endof the bearing surface 385 and the base of the detent 390 beingsubstantially equal to the thickness of the strap 101.

The side surfaces 381 and 382 are each recessed at the upper front endsthereof to form a pair of notches 386 and 387, each of the notches 386and 387 extending transversely outwardly to points underlying theopposite side edges of the top surface 357, and extending axially of theopening 380 to a point approximately midway between the front and rearsurfaces 353 and 354. The notches 386 and 387 serve to undercut theopposite side edges of the top wall 363 at the front end thereof andfacilitate deflection of the top wall 363.

In operation, the cooperation of the locking frame 350 with the strap101 is essentially identical with that described in connection with thelocking frame 250, the only difference being in the manner of deflectionof the top wall 363. Since the dimensions of the strap 101 aresubstantially the same as the dimensions of the opening 380 at the frontend thereof, the passage of the strap 101 through the opening 380 willbe impeded by the detent 390. However, the engagement of the surface 111of the strap 101 with the strap-bearing surface 385 will serve todeflect the undercut front end of the top wall 363 upwardly away fromthe strap-engaging surface 383 to permit the teeth 115 to ratchet overthe detent 390 for thereby accommodating passage of the strap 101through the opening 380 in the strap-tightening direction. It will benoted that the notches 386 and 387 serve to weaken the support at theopposite side edges of the top wall 363 to accommodate upward deflectionof the top wall 383 as well as a slight inward deflection of the upperends of side walls 361 and 362. When the strap 101 has been tightened tothe desired tension, release thereof will serve to firmly engage thestrap 101 with the detent 390 for securely locking the strap 101 in thelocking frame 350.

In FIGS. 18 and 19, there is shown a fourth embodiment 450 of thelocking frame of this invention for use with the strap 101 illustratedin FIGS. 1 and 2. The locking frame 450 is generally rectangular inshape and is provided with and includes a front surface 453 and a rearsurface 454 substantially parallel to the front surface 453, and a pairof opposed side surfaces 451 and 452 interconnecting the front and rearsurfaces 453 and 454 at the opposite side edges thereof and convergingslightly toward the rear surface 454. The locking frame 450 is alsoprovided with a bottom surface 456 which slopes upwardly from the frontsurface 453 to the rear surface 454, and a flat top surface 457 disposedsubstantially normal to the front and rear surfaces 453 and 454. Thelocking frame 450 is also provided with lower and upper openings 460 and480, respectively therethrough, the lower opening 460 being identical tothe lower opening 160 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 10. The openings460 and 480 combine to divide the locking frame 460 into a pair ofupstanding side walls 461 and 462 interconnected adjacent to the upperand lower ends thereby by a top wall 463 and a bottom wall 464,respectively, and interconnected intermediate the ends thereof by acenter wall 465 which separates the opening 460 from the opening 480.The bottom opening 460 is identical to the opening 160 in the embodimentof FIGS. 1 to 10 in both construction and function and the descriptionthereof will not be here repeated. The upper opening 480 is defined by apair of upstanding substantially parallel side surfaces 481 and 482, alower surface 483 inclined downwardly from the rear surface 454 to thefront surface 453, and a flat strap-bearing surface 485 disposedsubstantially parallel to the top surface 457. Connected to the lowersurface 483 is a pawl, generally designated by the numeral 490, integralat the rear end thereof with a hinge connection 491 which is in turnformed integrally with the surface 483 adjacent to the upper rear endthereof. The pawl 490 extends forwardly of the hinge connection 491 intothe opening 480 and is provided with a pair of side surfaces 492 and 493disposed substantially parallel to the side surfaces 481 and 482 andspaced inwardly therefrom, a bottom or backing surface 494 and a frontsurface 496 disposed a slight distance rearwardly of the front surface453 of the locking frame 450. The pawl 490 is also provided with a setof teeth 495 thereon, preferably three in number, and extending into theopening 480 toward the strap-bearing surface 485. The teeth 495 extendtransversely of the pawl 490 and are shaped complementary to the teethon the strap 101. The pawl 490 is normally disposed with the bottomsurface 494 thereof spaced a slight distance from the surface 483 andwith the teeth 495 projecting into the opening 480 so that the distancebetween the strap-bearing surface 485 and the crests of the teeth 495 isless than the thickness of the strap 101.

In operation, the strap 101 cooperates with the locking frame 450 and,in particular, with the lower opening 460 therethrough, for securelytying a first bundle of wires or the like in exactly the same manner aswas described with respect to the locking frame in the embodiment ofFIGS. 1 to 10. Similarly, the outer end 102 of the strap 101, may thenbe looped about a second bundle of wires in the manner as describedabove and inserted into the second opening 480 from the rear end to thefront end thereof. Upon insertion into the opening 480, the teeth 115 ofthe strap 101 will engage the teeth 495 on the pawl 490, whereby thepassage of the strap 101 through the opening 480 is impeded. However,the pawl 490 is pivotally movable about the hinge connection 491 so thatthe engagement of the strap 101 with the pawl 490 will move the pawl 490downwardly toward the surface 483, thus permitting the teeth 115 toratchet over the teeth 495, thereby allowing passage of the strap 101through the opening 480 in a strap-tightening direction. It will benoted that there is sufficient clearance allowed between the surface 483and the rear surface 494 of the pawl 490 to permit the teeth 495 to bemoved substantially out of the path of the strap 101 to facilitate theratcheting action described above. When the strap 101 has been tightenedabout the second bundle to the desired tension, the strap 101 may bereleased, whereupon the tension therein will tend to pull the strap 101back through the opening 480 in a strap-loosening direction. Thistendency toward retrograde motion through opening 480 will cause theteeth 115 on the strap 101 to move into more firm engagement with theteeth 495 on the pawl 490, thereby pulling the pawl 490 upwardly towardthe strap-bearing surface 485 for securely wedging the strap 101 betweenthe pawl 490 and the strap-bearing surface 485. In this manner, thestrap 101 is securely locked in the opening 480 of the locking frame450.

Referring now to FIGS. and 21 of the drawings, there is illustrated afifth embodiment 550 of the locking frame of this invention for use withthe strap 101 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The locking frame 550 isshaped similarly to the locking frame 150 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1to 10. Thus, the locking frame 550 includes a front surface 553 and arear surface 554 substantially parallel to each other and interconnectedat the opposite side edges thereof by a pair of opposed side surfaces551 and 552. The locking frame 550 is also provided with twostrap-accommodating openings therethrough, respectively designated 560and 580, and serving to divide the locking frame 550 into a pair ofopposed side walls 561 and 562, interconnected at the bottom endsthereof by a bottom wall (not shown) and an upper wall 565. The bottomportion of the locking frame 550 and, in particular, the opening 560therethrough is identical in construction and function to thecorresponding portion of the locking frame 150, whereby the descriptionof the lower portions of the locking frame 550 will not be repeatedhere. Extending upwardly from the top wall 565 at the opposite sidesthereof is a pair of upstanding posts 563 disposed adjacent to the rearend of the upper wall 565. There is also provided a bearing member,generally designated by the numeral 585, extending transversely of thelocking frame 550 and having a pair of flat ends 586 pivotally connectedto the posts 563 at pivot points 587. Preferably, the bearing member 585is integral with the posts 563, the pivotal connection points 587 beingportions of reduced diameter which are torsionally flexible to permitthe pivotal movement of the bearing member 585 thereabout. The bearingmember 585 is disposed above the upper wall 565 and cooperates therewithand with the posts 563 to define the second opening 580 through thelocking frame 550. More specifically, the inner surfaces 581 and 582 ofthe posts 563 form the sides of the opening 580, the opening 580 alsobeing bounded by a strap-engaging surface 583 on the upper wall 565. Thebearing member 585 is provided with a short, flat bearing surface 588thereon disposed in the opening 580 opposite to the strap-engagingsurface 583 and defining the upper wall of the opening 580. The bearingmember 585 is also provided adjacent to the rear end thereof with anabutment surface 589 inclined downwardly from the rear end of thebearing member 585 to the rear end of the strap-bearing surface 588.

The strap-engaging surface 583 is provided intermediate the front andrear ends thereof with a tooth or detent 590 extending transversely ofthe locking frame 550 and shaped complementary to the teeth 115 on thestrap 101. The detent 590 extends into the opening 580 and toward thebearing member 585, whereby the opening 580 is shaped and dimensionedcomplementary to the strap 101, the distance between the strap-bearingsurface 588 and the strap-engaging surface 583 in the normal position ofthe bearing member 585 being substantially the same as the thickness ofthe strap 101. It will be noted that the bearing member 585 is pivotallymovable about the pivot connections 587 thereof between a strap-lockingposition illustrated in FIG. 20, wherein the strap-bearing surface 588is disposed in the opening 580 toward the strap-engaging surface 583,and a strap-passing position (not shown) wherein the strap-bearingsurface 588 is pivoted counterclockwise to a position disposed forwardlyand away from the strap-engaging surface 583. In this strap-passingposition of the bearing member 585, the abutment surface 589 thereof isdisposed substantially parallel to the strap engaging surface 583.Integral with the bearing member 585 is a release tab or lever 595extending rearwardly from the bearing member 585 and being provided atthe rear end thereof with a plurality of ridges or serrations 596 toafford a gripping surface. Movement of the release tab 595 in acounterclockwise direction, as indicated in FIG. 20, will serve to movethe bearing member 585 to the strap-passing position thereof.

In operation, the locking frame 550 cooperates with the strap 101 forlocking the strap 101 about a first bundle of wires or the like inexactly the same manner as was described with respect to FIGS. 1 to 10of the drawings. The outer end 102 of the strap 101 may then be loopedaround a second bundle of wires or the like and threaded back throughthe opening 580 toward the front end of the locking frame 550 asindicated in FIG. 20. The bearing member 585 is normally disposed in thestrap-locking position thereof, whereby the bearing member 585 and thedetent 590 will cooperate to impede the passage of the strap 101 throughthe opening 580. However, when the strap 101 engages the abutmentsurface 589 on the bearing member 585, it will serve to pivot thebearing member 585 in a counterclockwise direction to the strap-passingposition thereof, thereby permitting the strap 101 to pass through theopening 580 with the teeth 115 ratcheting over the detent 590. When thestrap 101 has been tightened about the second bundle to a predeterminedtension, release of the tensioned strap 101 will result in the tensiontherein tending to pull the strap 101 back through the opening 580,thereby moving the teeth 115 into more firm engagement with the detent590. The bearing member 585 will also return to its strap-lockingposition, with any tendency of the strap toward retrograde motionthrough the opening 580 serving to firmly wedge the strap 101 betweenthe strap-bearing surface 588 and the strap engaging surface 583. If,for any reason, it is desired to release the strap 101 from the opening580, it is only necessary to depress the release tab 595 in thedirection indicated by the arrow in FIG.

20, whereupon the bearing member 585 will be pivoted to the vstrap-passing position thereof to permit free passage of the strap 101through the opening 580.

Referring now to FIG. 11 of the drawings, there is illustrated anotherembodiment 600 of the cable tie of this invention comprising a strap 601and a locking frame 650. The cable tie 600 is similar to the cable tie100, whereby parts of the cable tie 600 which correspond to identicalparts in the cable tie have been given corresponding reference numeralsin the 600 series. The strap 601 is substantially the same as the strap101 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, with the exception that the strap 601is provided with two 'rows of teeth 610 and 615, respectively formed inthe opposite surfaces 609 and 611 of the strap 601, each of the rows ofteeth 610 and 615 being identical to the row of teeth in the strap 101.Similarly, the locking frame 650 is substantially the same as thelocking frame described above, with the exception that thestrap-engaging surface 685 is provided at the front end thereof with asecond tooth or detent 695 shaped complementary to the teeth 615 on thestrap 601and extending into the opening 680 toward the detent 690. Theoperation of the cable tie 600 is substantially identical to theoperation of cable tie 100, with the exception that there has beenprovided in the cable tie 600 the additional locking engagement of thedetent 695 with the second row of teeth 615 to effect an even more firmand secure locking of the strap 601 in the opening 680 of the cable tie600.

While the principle use of the cable tie of this invention is to afforda tying of a bundle of wires or the like to a support (which may beanother bundle) by the use of only a single cable tie strap, there isillustrated in FIG. 22 another arrangement of the cable tie 100 for usewith a second strap. In this arrangement, when the strap 101 has beensecurely locked about the first bundle 50 of wires 55, as describedabove, the outer end 102 of the strap 100 protruding beyond the rear endof the locking frame 150 may be cut off instead of being looped aboutthe associated support. In this case, a second strap 80, which may be ofintegral single-piece construction is looped about the associatedsupport 70, with the free end of the strap 80 being fed through theopening in the locking frame 150 in the manner described above and thenlocked in a head 85 of the secondary strap 80 in a well-known manner.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that there has been provideda double-latch cable tie of simple and economical construction which iscapable of tying two separate bundles with a single cable tie strap.More particularly, there has been provided a cable tie which includes alocking frame providing two separate locks for the associated strap forlocking the associated cable tie about the two associated bundles.

There have also been provided several embodiments of a locking frame foruse with the cable tie strap of this invention, including an embodimentwhich provides for manual release of the cable tie from one of theassociated bundles. Another embodiment of the cable tie of thisinvention has been provided including a strap with two rows of teeth,each engageable with a corresponding detent on the locking frame.

While there have been described what are at present considered to be thepreferred embodiments of the invention, it will be understood thatvarious modifications may be made therein, and it is intended to coverin the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the truespirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

. l. A cable tie securable about two separate bundles of wires and thelike, said cable tie comprising an elongated flexible strap, a row ofteeth disposed on one longitudinal surface of said strap and arrangedtransversely with respect thereto, a wedge-shaped head connected at thesmaller end thereof to one end of said strap and having a tooth thereondisposed transversely thereof and shaped substantially complementary tothe teeth in said row of teeth, a locking frame having first and secondstrap-accommodating openings therein for receiving the other end of saidstrap therethrough, said first opening being shaped to receive said headtherein and to prevent passage of said head therethrough and tosimultaneously accommodate the other end of said strap therethrough,said strap being deformable into a first loop encircling a first bundleof wires with said strap accommodated in said first opening and with theother end of said strap extending back through said first opening andtherebeyond, the tooth on said head being disposed toward said row ofteeth and engageable therewith as said head is pulled into a wedgingposition in said first opening, any force tending to withdraw said strapfrom said first opening in a first loop strap-loosening directionserving to move the tooth on said head into more firm engagement withthe engaged ones of said row of teeth to hold said head firmly inengagement with said frame, a strap-bearing surface on said frame insaid second opening and a detent on said frame opposite saidstrap-bearing surface and disposed transversely thereof and shapedsubstantially complementary to the teeth in said row of teeth, saidstrap being further deformable into a second loop encircling a secondbundle of wires with the other end of said strap extending through saidsecond opening, said detent being disposed toward said row of teeth andsequentially engageable therewith as said strap is pulled through saidsecond opening, and means urging said strapbearing surface and saiddetent toward one another to move said detent into firm engagement withthe engaged ones of said row of teeth to hold said strap firmly in saidsecond opening for preventing retrograde motion of said strap in saidsecond opening, whereby said cable tie serves to tie two separatebundles of wires and the like.

2. A cable tie securable about two separate bundles of wires and thelike, said cable tie comprising an elongated flexible strap, a row ofteeth disposed on one longitudinal surface of said strap and arrangedtransversely with respect thereto, a wedge-shaped head connected at thesmaller end thereof to one end of said strap and having a tooth thereondisposed transversely thereof and shaped substantially complementary tothe teeth in said row of teeth, an abutment projection extendinglaterally from said head, a locking frame having first and secondstrap-accommodating openings therein for receiving the other end of saidstrap therethrough, said first opening being shaped to receive said headtherein and to simultaneously accommodate the other end of said straptherethrough, an abutment shoulder on said frame extending into saidfirst opening and shaped complementary to said abutment projec tion forengagement therewith to prevent passage of said head through said firstopening, said strap being deformable into a first loop encircling afirst bundle of wires with said strap ac commodated in said firstopening and with the other end of said strap extending back through saidfirst opening and therebeyond, the tooth on said head being disposedtoward said row of teeth and engageable therewith as said head is pulledinto a wedging position in said first opening when said strap istightened about the first bundle of wires to a tensioned condition, anyforce tending to withdraw said strap from said first opening in a firstloop strap-loosening direction serving to move the tooth on said headinto more firm engagement with the engaged ones of said row of teeth tohold said head firmly in engagement with said frame, a strap-bearingsurface on said frame in said second opening, a pawl carried by saidframe and being resiliently urged into said second opening toward saidstrap-bearing surface, and a tooth on said pawl arranged transverselywith respect thereto and shaped complementary to the teeth in said rowof teeth, said strap being further deformable into a second loopencircling a second bundle of wires with the other end of said strapextending through said second opening, said tooth on said pawl beingdisposed toward said row of teeth and sequentially engageable therewithas said strap is pulled through said second opening, the tooth on saidpawl moving into firm engagement with and remaining in firm engagementwith said row of teeth upon release of said strap, any force tending towithdraw said strap from said second opening in a second loopstrap-loosening direction serving to move the tooth on said pawl intomore firm engagement with the engaged ones of said row of teeth firmlyto wedge said strap between said strap-bearing surface and said pawl,whereby said cable tie serves to tie two separate bundles of wires andthe like.

3. The cable tie set forth in claim 2, and further including a set ofteeth on said pawl arranged transversely with respect thereto and shapedcomplementary to said row of teeth.

4. The cable tie set forth in claim 2, and further including a set ofteeth on said pawl arranged transversely with respect thereto and shapedcomplementary to said row of teeth, the crests of said teeth in said setof teeth all lying in a common plane, said plane being disposedsubstantially parallel to said strap-bearing surface when said strap isin the secured condition thereof in said second opening.

5. A cable tie securable about two separate bundles of wires and thelike, said cable tie comprising an elongated flexible strap, a row ofteeth disposed on one longitudinal surface of said strap and arrangedtransversely with respect thereto, a wedge-shaped head connected at thesmaller end thereof to one end of said strap and having a tooth thereondisposed transversely thereof and shaped substantially complementary tothe teeth in said row of teeth, a locking frame having first and secondstrap-accommodating openings therein for receiving the other end of saidstrap therethrough, said first opening being shaped to receive said headtherein and to prevent passage of said head therethrough and tosimultaneously accommodate the other end of said strap therethrough,said strap being deformable into a first loop encircling a first bundleof wires with said strap accommodated in said first opening and with theother end of said strap extending back through said first opening andtherebeyond, the tooth on said head being disposed toward said row ofteeth and engageable therewith as said head is pulled into a wedgingposition in said first opening when said strap is tightened about thefirst bundle of wires to a tensioned condition, any force tending towithdraw said strap from said first opening in a first loop straploosening direction serving to move the tooth on said head into morefirm engagement with the engaged ones of said row of teeth to hold saidhead firmly in engagement with said frame, a bearing member on saidframe having a strap-bearing surface in said second opening and beingpivotally movable between a strap-passing position and a strap-lockingposition a detent on said frame opposite said strap-bearing surface anddisposed transversely thereof and shaped substantially complementary tothe teeth in said row of teeth, said strap-bearing surface beingdisposed away from said detent when said bearing member is in thestrap-passing position thereof for accommodating passage of said strapthrough said second opening, said strap-bearing surface being disposedtoward said detent when said bearing member is in the strap-lockingposition thereof for restricting passage of said strap through saidsecond opening, said strap being further deformable into a second loopencircling a second bundle of wires with the other end of said strapextending through said second opening, said detent being disposed towardsaid row of teeth and sequentially engageable therewith as said strap ispulled through said second opening, said bearing member being biasedinto the strap-locking position thereof for urging said strap-bearingsurface and said strap toward said detent to move said row of teeth intofirm engagement with said detent and to hold said strap firmly in saidsecond opening for preventing retrograde motion of said strap into saidsecond opening, and a release member coupled to said bearing member foreffecting movement thereof to the strap-passing position thereof torelease said strap from said second opening, whereby said cable tieserves to tie two separate bundles of wires and the like.

6. The cable tie set forth in claim 5, and further including an abutmentsurface on said bearing member and disposed in said second openingadjacent to one end thereof, the other end of said strap engaging saidabutment surface when said strap is inserted into said second openingfor moving said bearing member to the strap-passing position thereof topermit passage of said strap through said second opening in astraptightening direction.

7. A cable tie securable about two separate bundles of wires and thelike and comprising an elongated flexible strap having an irregularconfiguration along a portion of the length thereof, a locking framecoupled to said strap adjacent to one end thereof and having first andsecond strap accommodating openings therein for receiving the other endof said strap therethrough, and first and second detents respectivelypositioned in said first and second strap accommodating openings andadapted to engage said strap irregular configuration, said strap beingdeformable into a first loop encircling a first bundle of wires withsaid other end of said strap extending through said first opening andtherebeyond in a first loop-tightening direction, said first detentbeing disposed toward said strap irregular configuration and engageabletherewith when said other end of said strap is extended through saidfirst opening to prevent retrograde movement therebetween, said otherend of said strap extending through and beyond said first opening beingfurther deformable into a second loop encircling a second bundle ofwires with said other end of said strap extending through said secondopening and therebeyond in a second loop-tightening direction, saidsecond detent being disposed toward said strap irregular configurationand engageable therewith when said other end of said strap is extendedthrough said second opening to prevent retrograde movement therebetween,whereby said cable tie serves independently to tie two separate bundlesof wires and the like.

8. A cable tie securable about two separate bundles of wires and thelike, said cable tie comprising an elongated flexible strap, a row ofteeth disposed on one longitudinal surface of said strap and arrangedtransversely with respect thereto, a wedge-shaped head connected at thesmaller end thereof to one end of said strap and having a tooth thereondisposed transversely thereof and shaped substantially complementary tothe teeth in said row of teeth, a locking frame having first and secondstrap-accommodating openings therein for receiving the other end of saidstrap therethrough, said first opening being shaped to receive said headtherein and to prevent passage of said head therethrough and tosimultaneously accommodate the other end of said strap therethrough, aretaining member carried by said strap adjacent to said one end thereofand engageable with said frame when said strap is accommodated in saidfirst opening and cooperating with said head to trap said frame on saidstrap, said strap being deformable into a first loop encircling a firstbundle of wires with said strap accommodated in said first opening andwith the other end of said strap extending back through said firstopening and therebeyond, the tooth on said head being disposed towardsaid row of teeth and engageable therewith as said head is pulled into awedging position in said first opening, any force tending to withdrawsaid strap from said first opening in a first loop strap-looseningdirection serving to move the tooth on said head into more firmengagement with the engaged ones of said row of teeth to hold said headfirmly in engagement with said frame, a strap-bearing surface on saidframe in said second opening, and a detent on said frame opposite saidstrap-bearing surface and disposed transversely thereof and shapedsubstantially complementary to the teeth in said row of teeth, saidstrap being further deformable into a second loop encircling a secondbundle of wires with the other end of said strap extending through saidsecond opening, said detent being disposed toward said row of teeth andsequentially engageable therewith as said strap is pulled through saidsecond opening, and means urging said strap-bearing surface and saiddetent toward one another to move said detent into firm engagement withthe engaged ones of said row of teeth to hold said strap firmly in saidsecond opening for preventing retrograde motion of said strap in saidsecond opening, whereby said cable tie serves to tie two separatebundles of wires and the like.

9. The cable tie set forth in claim 8, and further including a set ofteeth on said head disposed transversely thereof and shapedsubstantially complementary to said row of teeth.

10. The cable tie set forth in claim 8, wherein said detent is fixed onsaid frame, said urging means biasing said strap-bearing surface towardsaid fixed detent.

11. The cable tie set forth in claim 8, wherein said strapbearingsurface is fixed on said frame, said urging means biasing said detenttoward said fixedstrap-bearing surface.

12. A cable tie securable about two separate bundles of wires and thelike, said cable tie comprising an elongated flexible strap, a row ofteeth disposed on one longitudinal surface of said strap and arrangedtransversely with respect thereto, a wedge-shaped head connected at thesmaller end thereof to one end of said strap and having a tooth thereondisposed transversely thereof and shaped substantially complementary tothe teeth in said row of teeth, a locking frame having first and secondstrap-accommodating openings therein for receiving the other end of saidstrap therethrough, said first opening being shaped to receive said headtherein and to prevent passage of said head therethrough andsimultaneously to accommodate the other end of said strap therethrough,said strap being deformable into a first loop encircling a first bundleof wires with said strap accommodated in said first opening and with theother end of said strap extending back through said first opening andtherebeyond, the tooth on said head being disposed toward said row ofteeth and engageable therewith as said head is pulled into a wedgingposition in said first opening, any force tending to withdraw said strapfrom said first opening in a first loop strap-loosening directionserving to move the tooth on said head into more firm engagement withthe engaged ones of said row of teeth to hold said head firmly inengagement with said frame, a flexible bearing member on said framehaving a strap-bearing surface in said second opening, a strap-engagingsurface on said frame disposed in said second opening opposite saidstrap-bearing surface, one end of said strap-engaging surface extendingaxially of said second opening beyond the adjacent end of saidstrap-bearing surface, and a detent disposed on said strap-engagingsurface adjacent to said one end thereof and opposite the adjacent endof said strap-bearing surface, said detent being disposed transverselyof said strap-bearing surface and being shaped substantiallycomplementary to the teeth in said row of teeth, said strap beingfurther deformable into a second loop encircling a second bundle ofwires with the other end of said strap extending through said secondopening, said detent being disposed toward said row of teeth andsequentially engageable therewith as said strap is pulled through saidsecond opening, said bearing member resiliently urging said strapbearingsurface and said strap toward said detent for moving said row of teethinto firm engagement with said detent to hold said strap firmly in saidsecond opening for preventing retrograde motion of said strap in saidsecond opening, whereby said cable tie serves to tie two separatebundles of wires and the like.

13. A cable tie securable about two separate bundles of wires and thelike, said cable tie comprising an elongated flexible strap, a row ofteeth disposed on one longitudinal surface of said strap and arrangedtransversely with respect thereto, a wedge-shaped head connected at thesmaller end thereof to one end of said strap and having a tooth thereondisposed transversely thereof and shaped substantially complementary tothe teeth in said row of teeth, a locking frame having first and secondstrap-accommodating openings therein for receiving the other end of saidstrap therethrough, said first opening being shaped to receive said headtherein and to prevent passage of said head therethrough and tosimultaneously accommodate the other end of said strap therethrough,said strap being deformable into a first loop encircling a first bundleof wires with said strap accommodated in said first opening and with theother end of said strap extending back through said first opening andtherebeyond, the tooth on said head being disposed toward said row ofteeth and engageable therewith as said head is pulled into a wedgingposition in said first opening, any force tending to withdraw said strapfrom said first opening in a first loop strap-loosening directionserving to move the tooth on said head into more form engagement withthe engaged ones of said row of teeth to hold said head firmly inengagement with said frame, a flexible bearing member on said framehaving a strap-bearing surface in said second opening, a strap-engagingsurface on said frame disposed in said second opening opposite saidstrap-bearing surface and coterminous therewith in a direction axiallyof said second opening, and a detent on said frame disposed in saidsecond opening at one end thereof opposite said strapbearing surface anddisposed transversely thereof and shaped substantially complementary tothe teeth in said row of teeth, said strap-bearing surface beingconnected to said frame along the entire length of said second opening,said frame being provided with a pair of recesses beneath the oppositeside edges of said strap-bearing surface at one end of said secondopening to facilitate deflection of said strap-bearing surface by saidstrap in said second opening, said strap being further deformable into asecond loop encircling a second bundle of wires with the other end ofsaid strap extending through said second opening, said detent beingdisposed toward said row of teeth and sequentially engageable therewithas said strap is pulled through said second opening, said bearing memberresiliently urging said strap-bearing surface and said strap toward saiddetent for moving said row of teeth into firm engagement with saiddetent to hold said strap firmly in said second opening for preventingretrograde motion of said strap in said second opening, whereby saidcable tie serves to tie two separate bundles of wires and the like.

14. A cable tie securable about two separate bundles of wires and thelike, said cable tie comprising an elongated flexible strap, a row ofteeth disposed on one longitudinal surface of said strap and arrangedtransversely with respect thereto, a wedge-shaped head connected at thesmaller end thereof to one end of said strap and having a tooth thereondisposed transversely thereof and shaped substantially complementary tothe teeth in said row of teeth, a locking frame having first and secondstrap-accommodating openings therein for receiving the other end of saidstrap therethrough, said first opening being shaped to receive said headtherein and to prevent passage of said head therethrough and tosimultaneously accommodate the other end of said strap therethrough,said strap being deformable into a first loop encircling a first bundleof wires with said strap accommodated in said first opening and with theother end of said strap extending back through said first opening andtherebeyond, the tooth on said head being disposed toward said row ofteeth and engageable therewith as said head is pulled into a wedgingposition in said first opening when said strap is tightened about thefirst bundle of wires to a tensioned condition, any force tending towithdraw said strap from said first opening in a first loopstraploosening direction serving to move the tooth on said head intomore firm engagement with the engaged ones of said row of teeth to holdsaid head firmly in engagement with said frame, a bearing bar having astrap-bearing surface in said second opening, said bar extendingtransversely of said second opening and connected at the opposite endsthereof to said frame for pivotal movement about an axis extendingtransversely of said second opening between a strap-passing position anda strap-locking position, a detent on said frame opposite saidstrap-bearing surface and disposed transversely thereof and shapedsubstantially complementary to the teeth in said row of teeth, saidstrap-bearing surface being disposed away from said detent when saidbearing bar is in the strap-passing position thereof for accommodatingpassage of said strap through said second opening, said strap-bearingsurface being disposed toward said detent when said bearing member is inthe strap-locking position thereof for restricting passage of said strapthrough said second opening, said strap being further deformable into asecond loop encircling a second bundle of wires with the other end ofsaid strap extending through said second opening, said detent beingdisposed toward said row of teeth and sequentially engageable therewithas said strap is pulled through said second opening, said bearing barbeing biased into the strap-locking position thereof for urging saidstrap-bearing surface and said strap toward said detent to move said rowof teeth into firm engagement with said detent and to hold said strapfirmly in said second opening for preventing retrograde motion of saidstrap into said second opening, and a release lever coupled to saidbearing bar for effecting movement thereof to the strappassing positionthereof to release said strap from said second opening, whereby saidcable tie serves to tie two separate bundles of wires and the like.

15. A cable tie securable about two separate bundles of wires and thelike, said cable tie comprising an elongated flexible strap, a row ofteeth disposed on one longitudinal surface of said strap and arrangedtransversely with respect thereto, a wedge-shaped head connected at thesmaller end thereof to one end of said strap and having a tooth thereondisposed transversely thereof and shaped substantially complementary tothe teeth in said row of teeth, a locking frame having first and secondstrap-accommodating openings therein for receiving the other end of saidstrap therethrough, said first opening being shaped to receive said headtherein and to prevent passage of said head therethrough and tosimultaneously accommodate the other end of said strap therethrough,said strap being deformable into a first loop encircling a first bundleof wires with said strap accommodated in said first opening and with theother end of said strap extending back through said first opening andtherebeyond, the tooth on said head being disposed toward said row ofteeth and engageable therewith as said head is pulled into a wedgingposition in said first opening when said strap is tightened about thefirst bundle of wires to a tensioned condition, any force tending towithdraw said strap from said first opening in a first loopstraploosening direction serving to move the tooth on said head intomore firm engagement with the engaged ones of said row of teeth to holdsaid head firmly in engagement with said frame, a bearing member on saidframe having a strap-bearing surface in said second opening and beingpivotally movable between a strap-passing position and a strap-lockingposition, a detent on said frame opposite said strap-bearing surface anddisposed transversely thereof and shaped complementary to the teeth insaid row of teeth, said strap-bearing surface being disposed away fromsaid detent when said bearing member is in the strap-passing positionthereof for accommodating passage of said strap through said secondopening, said strapbearing surface being disposed toward said detentwhen said bearing member is in the strap-locking position thereof forrestricting passage of said strap through said second opening, saidstrap being further deformable into a second loop encircling a secondbundle of wires with the other end of said strap extending through saidsecond opening, said detent being disposed toward said row of teeth andsequentially engageable therewith as said strap is pulled through saidsecond opening when said strap is tightened about the second bundle ofwires to a tensioned condition, said bearing member being biased intothe strap-locking position thereof for urging said strapbearing surfaceand said strap toward said detent to move said row of teeth into firmengagement with said detent and to hold said strap firmly in said secondopening for preventing retrograde motion of said strap into said secondopening, and a release lever connected at one end thereof to saidbearing member, movement of the other end of said lever in apredetermined direction causing pivotal movement of said bearing memberfrom the strap-locking position thereof to the strap-passing positionthereof, whereby said cable tie serves to tie two separate bundles ofwires and the like.

16. A cable tie comprising an elongated flexible strap, a row of teethdisposed on one longitudinal surface of said strap and arrangedtransversely with respect thereto, a head connected on one end of saidstrap, a locking frame having a first and second strap accommodatingopenings therein for receiving the other end of said strap therethrough,said first opening being shaped to receive said head therein and toprevent passage of said head therethrough, a retaining member carried bysaid strap adjacent to said one end thereof and engageable with saidframe when said strap is accommodated in said first opening andcooperating with said head to trap said frame on said strap, a strapbearing surface on said frame in said second opening, and a detent onsaid frame opposite said strap bearing surface and disposed transverselythereof and shaped substantially complementary to the teeth in said rowof teeth, said strap being deformable into a loop encircling a bundle ofwires and the like with said head accommodated in said first opening andwith the other end of said strap extending through and beyond said firstopening and around the bundle of wires and then through said secondopening, said detent being disposed toward said row of teeth andsequentially engageable therewith as said strap is pulled through saidsecond opening for tightening the loop around the bundle of wires, andmeans urging said strap bearing surface and said detent toward eachother to move said detent into firm engagement with the engaged ones ofsaid row of teeth to hold said strap firmly in said second opening forpreventing retrograde motion of said strap in said second opening,whereby said cable tie may be effectively secured about a bundle ofwires and the like.

1. A cable tie securable about two separate bundles of wires and thelike, said cable tie comprising an elongated flexible strap, a row ofteeth disposed on one longitudinal surface of said strap and arrangedtransversely with respect thereto, a wedge-shaped head connected at thesmaller end thereof to one end of said strap and having a tooth thereondisposed transversely thereof and shaped substantially complementary tothe teeth in said row of teeth, a locking frame having first and secondstrapaccommodating openings therein for receiving the other end of saidstrap therethrough, said first opening being shaped to receive said headtherein and to prevent passage of said head therethrough and tosimultaneously accommodate the other end of said strap therethrough,said strap being deformable into a first loop encircling a first bundleof wires with said strap accommodated in said first opening and with theother end of said strap extending back through said first opening andtherebeyond, the tooth on said head being disposed toward said row ofteeth and engageable therewith as said head is pulled into a wedgingposition in said first opening, any force tending to withdraw said strapfrom said first opening in a first loop straploosening direction servingto move the tooth on said head into more firm engagement with theengaged ones of said row of teeth to hold said head firmly in engagementwith said frame, a strapbearing surface on said frame in said secondopening and a detent on said frame opposite said strap-bearing surfaceand disposed transversely thereof and shaped substantially complementaryto the teeth in said row of teeth, said strap being further deformableinto a second loop encircling a second bUndle of wires with the otherend of said strap extending through said second opening, said detentbeing disposed toward said row of teeth and sequentially engageabletherewith as said strap is pulled through said second opening, and meansurging said strap-bearing surface and said detent toward one another tomove said detent into firm engagement with the engaged ones of said rowof teeth to hold said strap firmly in said second opening for preventingretrograde motion of said strap in said second opening, whereby saidcable tie serves to tie two separate bundles of wires and the like.
 2. Acable tie securable about two separate bundles of wires and the like,said cable tie comprising an elongated flexible strap, a row of teethdisposed on one longitudinal surface of said strap and arrangedtransversely with respect thereto, a wedge-shaped head connected at thesmaller end thereof to one end of said strap and having a tooth thereondisposed transversely thereof and shaped substantially complementary tothe teeth in said row of teeth, an abutment projection extendinglaterally from said head, a locking frame having first and secondstrap-accommodating openings therein for receiving the other end of saidstrap therethrough, said first opening being shaped to receive said headtherein and to simultaneously accommodate the other end of said straptherethrough, an abutment shoulder on said frame extending into saidfirst opening and shaped complementary to said abutment projection forengagement therewith to prevent passage of said head through said firstopening, said strap being deformable into a first loop encircling afirst bundle of wires with said strap accommodated in said first openingand with the other end of said strap extending back through said firstopening and therebeyond, the tooth on said head being disposed towardsaid row of teeth and engageable therewith as said head is pulled into awedging position in said first opening when said strap is tightenedabout the first bundle of wires to a tensioned condition, any forcetending to withdraw said strap from said first opening in a first loopstrap-loosening direction serving to move the tooth on said head intomore firm engagement with the engaged ones of said row of teeth to holdsaid head firmly in engagement with said frame, a strap-bearing surfaceon said frame in said second opening, a pawl carried by said frame andbeing resiliently urged into said second opening toward saidstrap-bearing surface, and a tooth on said pawl arranged transverselywith respect thereto and shaped complementary to the teeth in said rowof teeth, said strap being further deformable into a second loopencircling a second bundle of wires with the other end of said strapextending through said second opening, said tooth on said pawl beingdisposed toward said row of teeth and sequentially engageable therewithas said strap is pulled through said second opening, the tooth on saidpawl moving into firm engagement with and remaining in firm engagementwith said row of teeth upon release of said strap, any force tending towithdraw said strap from said second opening in a second loopstrap-loosening direction serving to move the tooth on said pawl intomore firm engagement with the engaged ones of said row of teeth firmlyto wedge said strap between said strap-bearing surface and said pawl,whereby said cable tie serves to tie two separate bundles of wires andthe like.
 3. The cable tie set forth in claim 2, and further including aset of teeth on said pawl arranged transversely with respect thereto andshaped complementary to said row of teeth.
 4. The cable tie set forth inclaim 2, and further including a set of teeth on said pawl arrangedtransversely with respect thereto and shaped complementary to said rowof teeth, the crests of said teeth in said set of teeth all lying in acommon plane, said plane being disposed substantially parallel to saidstrap-bearing surface when said strap is in the secured conditionthereof in said seconD opening.
 5. A cable tie securable about twoseparate bundles of wires and the like, said cable tie comprising anelongated flexible strap, a row of teeth disposed on one longitudinalsurface of said strap and arranged transversely with respect thereto, awedge-shaped head connected at the smaller end thereof to one end ofsaid strap and having a tooth thereon disposed transversely thereof andshaped substantially complementary to the teeth in said row of teeth, alocking frame having first and second strap-accommodating openingstherein for receiving the other end of said strap therethrough, saidfirst opening being shaped to receive said head therein and to preventpassage of said head therethrough and to simultaneously accommodate theother end of said strap therethrough, said strap being deformable into afirst loop encircling a first bundle of wires with said strapaccommodated in said first opening and with the other end of said strapextending back through said first opening and therebeyond, the tooth onsaid head being disposed toward said row of teeth and engageabletherewith as said head is pulled into a wedging position in said firstopening when said strap is tightened about the first bundle of wires toa tensioned condition, any force tending to withdraw said strap fromsaid first opening in a first loop strap-loosening direction serving tomove the tooth on said head into more firm engagement with the engagedones of said row of teeth to hold said head firmly in engagement withsaid frame, a bearing member on said frame having a strap-bearingsurface in said second opening and being pivotally movable between astrap-passing position and a strap-locking position a detent on saidframe opposite said strap-bearing surface and disposed transverselythereof and shaped substantially complementary to the teeth in said rowof teeth, said strap-bearing surface being disposed away from saiddetent when said bearing member is in the strap-passing position thereoffor accommodating passage of said strap through said second opening,said strap-bearing surface being disposed toward said detent when saidbearing member is in the strap-locking position thereof for restrictingpassage of said strap through said second opening, said strap beingfurther deformable into a second loop encircling a second bundle ofwires with the other end of said strap extending through said secondopening, said detent being disposed toward said row of teeth andsequentially engageable therewith as said strap is pulled through saidsecond opening, said bearing member being biased into the strap-lockingposition thereof for urging said strap-bearing surface and said straptoward said detent to move said row of teeth into firm engagement withsaid detent and to hold said strap firmly in said second opening forpreventing retrograde motion of said strap into said second opening, anda release member coupled to said bearing member for effecting movementthereof to the strap-passing position thereof to release said strap fromsaid second opening, whereby said cable tie serves to tie two separatebundles of wires and the like.
 6. The cable tie set forth in claim 5,and further including an abutment surface on said bearing member anddisposed in said second opening adjacent to one end thereof, the otherend of said strap engaging said abutment surface when said strap isinserted into said second opening for moving said bearing member to thestrap-passing position thereof to permit passage of said strap throughsaid second opening in a strap-tightening direction.
 7. A cable tiesecurable about two separate bundles of wires and the like andcomprising an elongated flexible strap having an irregular configurationalong a portion of the length thereof, a locking frame coupled to saidstrap adjacent to one end thereof and having first and second strapaccommodating openings therein for receiving the other end of said straptherethrough, and first and second detents respectively positioned insaid firSt and second strap accommodating openings and adapted to engagesaid strap irregular configuration, said strap being deformable into afirst loop encircling a first bundle of wires with said other end ofsaid strap extending through said first opening and therebeyond in afirst loop-tightening direction, said first detent being disposed towardsaid strap irregular configuration and engageable therewith when saidother end of said strap is extended through said first opening toprevent retrograde movement therebetween, said other end of said strapextending through and beyond said first opening being further deformableinto a second loop encircling a second bundle of wires with said otherend of said strap extending through said second opening and therebeyondin a second loop-tightening direction, said second detent being disposedtoward said strap irregular configuration and engageable therewith whensaid other end of said strap is extended through said second opening toprevent retrograde movement therebetween, whereby said cable tie servesindependently to tie two separate bundles of wires and the like.
 8. Acable tie securable about two separate bundles of wires and the like,said cable tie comprising an elongated flexible strap, a row of teethdisposed on one longitudinal surface of said strap and arrangedtransversely with respect thereto, a wedge-shaped head connected at thesmaller end thereof to one end of said strap and having a tooth thereondisposed transversely thereof and shaped substantially complementary tothe teeth in said row of teeth, a locking frame having first and secondstrap-accommodating openings therein for receiving the other end of saidstrap therethrough, said first opening being shaped to receive said headtherein and to prevent passage of said head therethrough and tosimultaneously accommodate the other end of said strap therethrough, aretaining member carried by said strap adjacent to said one end thereofand engageable with said frame when said strap is accommodated in saidfirst opening and cooperating with said head to trap said frame on saidstrap, said strap being deformable into a first loop encircling a firstbundle of wires with said strap accommodated in said first opening andwith the other end of said strap extending back through said firstopening and therebeyond, the tooth on said head being disposed towardsaid row of teeth and engageable therewith as said head is pulled into awedging position in said first opening, any force tending to withdrawsaid strap from said first opening in a first loop strap-looseningdirection serving to move the tooth on said head into more firmengagement with the engaged ones of said row of teeth to hold said headfirmly in engagement with said frame, a strap-bearing surface on saidframe in said second opening, and a detent on said frame opposite saidstrap-bearing surface and disposed transversely thereof and shapedsubstantially complementary to the teeth in said row of teeth, saidstrap being further deformable into a second loop encircling a secondbundle of wires with the other end of said strap extending through saidsecond opening, said detent being disposed toward said row of teeth andsequentially engageable therewith as said strap is pulled through saidsecond opening, and means urging said strap-bearing surface and saiddetent toward one another to move said detent into firm engagement withthe engaged ones of said row of teeth to hold said strap firmly in saidsecond opening for preventing retrograde motion of said strap in saidsecond opening, whereby said cable tie serves to tie two separatebundles of wires and the like.
 9. The cable tie set forth in claim 8,and further including a set of teeth on said head disposed transverselythereof and shaped substantially complementary to said row of teeth. 10.The cable tie set forth in claim 8, wherein said detent is fixed on saidframe, said urging means biasing said strap-bearing surface toward saidfixed detent.
 11. The caBle tie set forth in claim 8, wherein saidstrap-bearing surface is fixed on said frame, said urging means biasingsaid detent toward said fixed strap-bearing surface.
 12. A cable tiesecurable about two separate bundles of wires and the like, said cabletie comprising an elongated flexible strap, a row of teeth disposed onone longitudinal surface of said strap and arranged transversely withrespect thereto, a wedge-shaped head connected at the smaller endthereof to one end of said strap and having a tooth thereon disposedtransversely thereof and shaped substantially complementary to the teethin said row of teeth, a locking frame having first and secondstrap-accommodating openings therein for receiving the other end of saidstrap therethrough, said first opening being shaped to receive said headtherein and to prevent passage of said head therethrough andsimultaneously to accommodate the other end of said strap therethrough,said strap being deformable into a first loop encircling a first bundleof wires with said strap accommodated in said first opening and with theother end of said strap extending back through said first opening andtherebeyond, the tooth on said head being disposed toward said row ofteeth and engageable therewith as said head is pulled into a wedgingposition in said first opening, any force tending to withdraw said strapfrom said first opening in a first loop strap-loosening directionserving to move the tooth on said head into more firm engagement withthe engaged ones of said row of teeth to hold said head firmly inengagement with said frame, a flexible bearing member on said framehaving a strap-bearing surface in said second opening, a strap-engagingsurface on said frame disposed in said second opening opposite saidstrap-bearing surface, one end of said strap-engaging surface extendingaxially of said second opening beyond the adjacent end of saidstrap-bearing surface, and a detent disposed on said strap-engagingsurface adjacent to said one end thereof and opposite the adjacent endof said strap-bearing surface, said detent being disposed transverselyof said strap-bearing surface and being shaped substantiallycomplementary to the teeth in said row of teeth, said strap beingfurther deformable into a second loop encircling a second bundle ofwires with the other end of said strap extending through said secondopening, said detent being disposed toward said row of teeth andsequentially engageable therewith as said strap is pulled through saidsecond opening, said bearing member resiliently urging saidstrap-bearing surface and said strap toward said detent for moving saidrow of teeth into firm engagement with said detent to hold said strapfirmly in said second opening for preventing retrograde motion of saidstrap in said second opening, whereby said cable tie serves to tie twoseparate bundles of wires and the like.
 13. A cable tie securable abouttwo separate bundles of wires and the like, said cable tie comprising anelongated flexible strap, a row of teeth disposed on one longitudinalsurface of said strap and arranged transversely with respect thereto, awedge-shaped head connected at the smaller end thereof to one end ofsaid strap and having a tooth thereon disposed transversely thereof andshaped substantially complementary to the teeth in said row of teeth, alocking frame having first and second strap-accommodating openingstherein for receiving the other end of said strap therethrough, saidfirst opening being shaped to receive said head therein and to preventpassage of said head therethrough and to simultaneously accommodate theother end of said strap therethrough, said strap being deformable into afirst loop encircling a first bundle of wires with said strapaccommodated in said first opening and with the other end of said strapextending back through said first opening and therebeyond, the tooth onsaid head being disposed toward said row of teeth and engageabletherewith as said head is pulled into a wedging position in said firstopening, any force tending to withdraw said strap from said firstopening in a first loop strap-loosening direction serving to move thetooth on said head into more form engagement with the engaged ones ofsaid row of teeth to hold said head firmly in engagement with saidframe, a flexible bearing member on said frame having a strap-bearingsurface in said second opening, a strap-engaging surface on said framedisposed in said second opening opposite said strap-bearing surface andcoterminous therewith in a direction axially of said second opening, anda detent on said frame disposed in said second opening at one endthereof opposite said strap-bearing surface and disposed transverselythereof and shaped substantially complementary to the teeth in said rowof teeth, said strap-bearing surface being connected to said frame alongthe entire length of said second opening, said frame being provided witha pair of recesses beneath the opposite side edges of said strap-bearingsurface at one end of said second opening to facilitate deflection ofsaid strap-bearing surface by said strap in said second opening, saidstrap being further deformable into a second loop encircling a secondbundle of wires with the other end of said strap extending through saidsecond opening, said detent being disposed toward said row of teeth andsequentially engageable therewith as said strap is pulled through saidsecond opening, said bearing member resiliently urging saidstrap-bearing surface and said strap toward said detent for moving saidrow of teeth into firm engagement with said detent to hold said strapfirmly in said second opening for preventing retrograde motion of saidstrap in said second opening, whereby said cable tie serves to tie twoseparate bundles of wires and the like.
 14. A cable tie securable abouttwo separate bundles of wires and the like, said cable tie comprising anelongated flexible strap, a row of teeth disposed on one longitudinalsurface of said strap and arranged transversely with respect thereto, awedge-shaped head connected at the smaller end thereof to one end ofsaid strap and having a tooth thereon disposed transversely thereof andshaped substantially complementary to the teeth in said row of teeth, alocking frame having first and second strap-accommodating openingstherein for receiving the other end of said strap therethrough, saidfirst opening being shaped to receive said head therein and to preventpassage of said head therethrough and to simultaneously accommodate theother end of said strap therethrough, said strap being deformable into afirst loop encircling a first bundle of wires with said strapaccommodated in said first opening and with the other end of said strapextending back through said first opening and therebeyond, the tooth onsaid head being disposed toward said row of teeth and engageabletherewith as said head is pulled into a wedging position in said firstopening when said strap is tightened about the first bundle of wires toa tensioned condition, any force tending to withdraw said strap fromsaid first opening in a first loop strap-loosening direction serving tomove the tooth on said head into more firm engagement with the engagedones of said row of teeth to hold said head firmly in engagement withsaid frame, a bearing bar having a strap-bearing surface in said secondopening, said bar extending transversely of said second opening andconnected at the opposite ends thereof to said frame for pivotalmovement about an axis extending transversely of said second openingbetween a strap-passing position and a strap-locking position, a detenton said frame opposite said strap-bearing surface and disposedtransversely thereof and shaped substantially complementary to the teethin said row of teeth, said strap-bearing surface being disposed awayfrom said detent when said bearing bar is in the strap-passing positionthereof for accommodating passage of said strap through said secondopening, said strap-bearing surface bEing disposed toward said detentwhen said bearing member is in the strap-locking position thereof forrestricting passage of said strap through said second opening, saidstrap being further deformable into a second loop encircling a secondbundle of wires with the other end of said strap extending through saidsecond opening, said detent being disposed toward said row of teeth andsequentially engageable therewith as said strap is pulled through saidsecond opening, said bearing bar being biased into the strap-lockingposition thereof for urging said strap-bearing surface and said straptoward said detent to move said row of teeth into firm engagement withsaid detent and to hold said strap firmly in said second opening forpreventing retrograde motion of said strap into said second opening, anda release lever coupled to said bearing bar for effecting movementthereof to the strap-passing position thereof to release said strap fromsaid second opening, whereby said cable tie serves to tie two separatebundles of wires and the like.
 15. A cable tie securable about twoseparate bundles of wires and the like, said cable tie comprising anelongated flexible strap, a row of teeth disposed on one longitudinalsurface of said strap and arranged transversely with respect thereto, awedge-shaped head connected at the smaller end thereof to one end ofsaid strap and having a tooth thereon disposed transversely thereof andshaped substantially complementary to the teeth in said row of teeth, alocking frame having first and second strap-accommodating openingstherein for receiving the other end of said strap therethrough, saidfirst opening being shaped to receive said head therein and to preventpassage of said head therethrough and to simultaneously accommodate theother end of said strap therethrough, said strap being deformable into afirst loop encircling a first bundle of wires with said strapaccommodated in said first opening and with the other end of said strapextending back through said first opening and therebeyond, the tooth onsaid head being disposed toward said row of teeth and engageabletherewith as said head is pulled into a wedging position in said firstopening when said strap is tightened about the first bundle of wires toa tensioned condition, any force tending to withdraw said strap fromsaid first opening in a first loop strap-loosening direction serving tomove the tooth on said head into more firm engagement with the engagedones of said row of teeth to hold said head firmly in engagement withsaid frame, a bearing member on said frame having a strap-bearingsurface in said second opening and being pivotally movable between astrap-passing position and a strap-locking position, a detent on saidframe opposite said strap-bearing surface and disposed transverselythereof and shaped complementary to the teeth in said row of teeth, saidstrap-bearing surface being disposed away from said detent when saidbearing member is in the strap-passing position thereof foraccommodating passage of said strap through said second opening, saidstrap-bearing surface being disposed toward said detent when saidbearing member is in the strap-locking position thereof for restrictingpassage of said strap through said second opening, said strap beingfurther deformable into a second loop encircling a second bundle ofwires with the other end of said strap extending through said secondopening, said detent being disposed toward said row of teeth andsequentially engageable therewith as said strap is pulled through saidsecond opening when said strap is tightened about the second bundle ofwires to a tensioned condition, said bearing member being biased intothe strap-locking position thereof for urging said strap-bearing surfaceand said strap toward said detent to move said row of teeth into firmengagement with said detent and to hold said strap firmly in said secondopening for preventing retrograde motion of said strap into said secondopening, and a release lever connecTed at one end thereof to saidbearing member, movement of the other end of said lever in apredetermined direction causing pivotal movement of said bearing memberfrom the strap-locking position thereof to the strap-passing positionthereof, whereby said cable tie serves to tie two separate bundles ofwires and the like.
 16. A cable tie comprising an elongated flexiblestrap, a row of teeth disposed on one longitudinal surface of said strapand arranged transversely with respect thereto, a head connected on oneend of said strap, a locking frame having a first and second strapaccommodating openings therein for receiving the other end of said straptherethrough, said first opening being shaped to receive said headtherein and to prevent passage of said head therethrough, a retainingmember carried by said strap adjacent to said one end thereof andengageable with said frame when said strap is accommodated in said firstopening and cooperating with said head to trap said frame on said strap,a strap bearing surface on said frame in said second opening, and adetent on said frame opposite said strap bearing surface and disposedtransversely thereof and shaped substantially complementary to the teethin said row of teeth, said strap being deformable into a loop encirclinga bundle of wires and the like with said head accommodated in said firstopening and with the other end of said strap extending through andbeyond said first opening and around the bundle of wires and thenthrough said second opening, said detent being disposed toward said rowof teeth and sequentially engageable therewith as said strap is pulledthrough said second opening for tightening the loop around the bundle ofwires, and means urging said strap bearing surface and said detenttoward each other to move said detent into firm engagement with theengaged ones of said row of teeth to hold said strap firmly in saidsecond opening for preventing retrograde motion of said strap in saidsecond opening, whereby said cable tie may be effectively secured abouta bundle of wires and the like.